Akai launches Android-based Smart Box for Rs. 6,590

Japanese consumer electronics firm Akai launched a 'Smart Box', which allows users to surf Internet on their television sets, at a price of Rs. 6,590 in the country.

The company, which is targeting revenues of Rs. 250 crore this fiscal, expects sales of one lakh devices in the next 3-4 months.

"Our Smart box is set to change the way people watch television in India. TVs, irrespective of whether it's a colour TV or LCDs and LEDs, are compatible with the device and using Smart Box can be converted into a smart television," says Pranay Dhabhai, Akai's Managing Director.

The Android-based device, powered by a 1.25-Ghz processor, comes with a wireless mouse for navigation. It is equipped with 4GB internal memory, expandable upto 32GB through SD card slot.

Similar to Apple TV, Smart Box is a digital media device which allows users to access content like videos, games and websites using WiFi and broadband connection.

Google, which operates the Android platform, also plans to launch its set-top box 'Google TV'.

The Smart Box has 4 USB ports, hard drives as well as connect to Internet using 3G dongle.

The device connects to the internet using LAN, WiFi as well as 3G. It also acts as a router using which other devices like tablet PCs and laptops can be connected to Internet.

"In this fiscal, we are looking at a revenue of Rs. 250 crore, of which 20 percent we see coming from Smart Box. We see the device as a major revenue driver for us," Dhabhai said.

Last year, Akai India's revenues stood at Rs. 175 crore.

There are similar devices available in the Indian market.In June this year, Amkette had launched its 'EvoTV' priced at Rs. 9,995.

Akai India will sell the devices through ecommerce stores, its website as well large format stores and distribution channels. It will also launch television commercials and digital campaigns for the device.

"Right now, 80 percent of our revenues came from TVs, while the remaining 20 per cent from other consumer durables. Going ahead, we expect this to change to 75 percent (TVs) and 15 percent each from Smart Boxes and consumer durables," he said.